Why you should consider this program

The Graduate
Program within the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built
Environment furthers the department's vision of "Building Solutions,
Developing Leaders." We have earned a reputation for innovative research
and sustainable development in the areas of building science, renewable energy,
and other sustainable technologies. Our mission is to foster a strong and
vibrant culture of inquiry, discovery, and innovation that integrates theory
with application, problem seeking with problem-solving, local issues with
global perspectives, and technological progress with environmental stewardship.

Each
graduate student designs a unique program of study that includes required and
elective course work tailored to his or her concentration area (Appropriate Technology, Renewable Energy Engineering, or Sustainable
Building Design and Construction), background, and
individual interests. Cross-disciplinary study is encouraged. Our program has
served many RPCVs and we value their unique attributes and commitment to
service.

We welcome
applicants from a broad range of backgrounds who seek to move to a new level of
intellectual and professional achievement. Our graduate students have served as
lead investigators in renewable energy research and outreach projects, as
project managers in competitions such as the USDOE Race to Zero, and through
outreach to agencies like Habitat for Humanity. We invite you to become part of
this dynamic and engaged community of learners!

Benefits for Coverdell Fellows

Tuition/fees for Complete Program

Value of Coverdell Fellowship

Net cost *

In state

$ 15,442

$ 18,000

$ 0 + You receive additional benefits.

Out of state

$ 41,780

$ 44,338

$ 0 + You receive additional benefits.

* Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing—see the first point below for more details.

Where the cost savings value of the Coverdell Fellowship comes from

20-hour-per-week research assistantship;
additional scholarships available for eligible applicants based on UGPA, GRE
scores, and statement of goals. Eligible out-of-state students receive a North
Carolina Tuition Scholarship, which covers the difference between in-state and
out-of-state tuition.

Fellowships awarded per year (average)

4

Other benefits or opportunities

The
university and the department have competitive scholarships available for
graduate students. In addition there are diversity scholarships, and the
possibility of higher-paying research assistantships (at this time, $13,000 per
year compared to the standard $9,000 per year).

Annual cost of living (estimated)

$ 14,000

Application fee waived?

No

Internship

Although
a variety of internship options working with underserved American communities
are possible, we have partnership agreements with two such organizations for
Coverdell Fellows. The first organization is Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture,
which has committed to providing a multi-faceted internship experience that will
include working with its CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer
Training) program, the Watauga Food Council, and the Watauga Seed Library. In
addition, the intern will assist with the HomeGrown Workshop series, which
serves aspiring, beginning, and experienced farmers in the Appalachian region. Our
second internship partner commitment is with Habitat for Humanity of the
Catawba Valley, which serves the foothills area of North Carolina’s Appalachian
region. Habitat interns will be engaged in project management activities
related to design and construction of energy-efficient homes for underserved
families in the region. Other internship partners might include High Country Community Supported Agriculture and WAMY Community Action (which provides energy efficiency services for low-income homeowners), among others.

Fellows will complete a minimum 150-hour internship, earning three hours of graduate credit.

Other details

Program length

1.5 to 2 years

Application requirements

GRE
scores

College
transcripts

Three
letters of reference

Statement
of goals

Admissions process

In
the statement of goals, indicate that you are applying as a Coverdell Fellow.
Once applications are completed they are released for departmental review, and
applicants are generally notified within 2-3 weeks of their acceptance to the
MS Program and as a Coverdell Fellow.

Program begins

Mid August and Mid January

Non-traditional options

Approximately 30% of graduate courses are
offered in the evenings. Fellows must maintain full-time status of nine
semester hours (with a maximum of twelve semester hours) per term.